More responsibility could elevate Manchester City's most lethal marksman to another level

Yahoo

7 days ago

Erling Haaland was selected by Pep Guardiola to be a member of Manchester City's captaincy group for the 25/26 season. Given that Haaland signed a 9-and-a-half year contract extension last season becoming a leader at Manchester City is a natural step in Haaland's progression as a player. But looking ahead to next season perhaps the added responsibility of being a leader could help Haaland take his game to another level.
There is room for further development in Erling Haaland's game.
If Erling Haaland didn't further develop his game he'd remain one of the best strikers in world football. At his best, he is arguably the most lethal striker in the Premier League and Europe. But Haaland is one of the most driven players in the game. He won't want to stand still and just be a goal scorer. The Norwegian international will look to grow as a player. There is plenty of scope for Manchester City's most lethal marksman to grow as a player.
At times, Erling Haaland spends Manchester City's matches on the periphery of proceedings. At times he just drifts around not being involved in City's build-up play. But it has been shown during his time at Manchester City that when Haaland drops deep to be more involved in play he becomes an infinitely more dangerous proposition for City's opponents. If Haaland can do that on a more consistent basis, he will immediately improve as a player.
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But being a leader in the Manchester City squad could also see another area of Haaland's game go to another level.
Extra responsibility could see Haaland take his game to another level.
As a leader, alongside Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Rodri, Erling Haaland will be tasked with setting the tone for his team. The Norwegian international will also be expected to inspire his team. That's the expectations that surround a leader. It's those traits that Haaland will be expected to show on the pitch.
But how does Haaland do that? Through his actions and performances, he will naturally set the tone and lift his team. Erling Haaland has already done that during his time at City. But off the ball, if Erling Haaland can lead Manchester City's defensive press, and set the tone for what is expected of his team out of possession. If Manchester City's most lethal marksman can do that consistently it will add a more dangerous element to his game. It will also show his teammates what is expected off the ball. There was a glimpse of Erling Haaland doing exactly this during Manchester City's 5-2 win over Juventus at the FIFA Club World Cup. If Haaland can show the intensity out of possession he displayed against Juventus consistently it will see him further develop as a player.
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Being named a leader is a natural step in Erling Haaland's progression as a player. The hope is that being given a leadership role can see Haaland further grow as a player. There is plenty of scope for improvement in Haaland's game. With him being given more responsibility it may lift him to even greater heights.